Having a water-resistant floor for your home is extremely essential.
And the debate between flooring brands like smartcore vs pergo often leave homeowners unsure of what to choose.
With homes getting busier and messes becoming more common, homeowners want floorings that can withstand high pressure like candle spills, water leaks, and daily wear-and-tear with less maintenance.
When looking closely at smartcore and pergo flooring, the differences start to matter.
While both are designed to be water-resistant and long-lasting, they vary in construction, underfoot, thickness, comfort, and overall cost.
These factors affect not just how the floor looks, but how it feels and performs over time in real-life conditions.
Through this smartcore vs pergo vinyl flooring guide, I want to help you understand their basic differences without getting too technical so you can confidently choose what is right for your home.
We’ll also compare these two brands with other vinyl flooring brands like Lifeproof and Laminate, to help you provide a broader perspective.
What Makes SmartCore Flooring a Popular LVP Choice?
Smartcore is a luxury vinyl plank sold exclusively by Lowe’s.
SMARTCORE By COREtec (Shaw Floors) is known for its pet-friendly, kid-friendly, and water-resistant properties.
This brand offers other variants as well, specifically tailored to their durability and budget.
The Smartcore Ultra is a mid-range budget option, waterproof, and features a rigid core.
In contrast, the Smartcore Pro offers enhanced durability, is dent-resistant, and is ideal for heavy foot traffic.
Smartcore Naturals features real wood veneers over rigid vinyl cores.
Smartcore can change the overall look of a home without making it feel cold or hard.
The vinyl build gives it a slightly softer, warmer, and quieter feel as compared to a tile or a stone.
Because of its waterproof abilities, it can easily be used in kitchens and basements without any worry.
Smartcore is a great choice for those individuals seeking durable flooring that is easy to maintain and install.
It uses a click-lock system, so most homeowners can install it themselves with basic tools.
The rigid core helps resist dents and scratches, while cleaning is simple with a damp mop.
Priced in the mid-range $2-$4 per sq ft, Smartcore balances looks, cost, and strength well.
| Feature | SmartCore Flooring |
| Product Type | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) |
| Availability | Exclusively sold at Lowe’s |
| Manufacturer | SMARTCORE by COREtec (Shaw Floors) |
| Water Resistance | 100% waterproof |
| Pet & Kid Friendly | Yes – scratch- and dent-resistant |
| Core Construction | Rigid core vinyl |
| Comfort Underfoot | Softer, warmer, and quieter than tile or stone |
| Installation | Click-lock system (DIY-friendly) |
| Maintenance | Easy cleaning with a damp mop |
| Best Rooms | Kitchens, basements, living areas |
| Price Range | Mid-range: approx. $2–$4 per sq ft |
| Popular Variants | Ultra (balanced), Pro (heavy traffic), Naturals (real wood veneer) |
What Makes Pergo Flooring Different From Other Brands?
Pergo is a well-known flooring brand that started in Sweden in 1977 and is often credited with creating laminate flooring.
Today, Pergo makes laminate, vinyl plank, and engineered hardwood floors.
These floors are designed to copy the look of wood or stone while being easy to maintain and more affordable.
Most Pergo floors use strong layers that help resist scratches, stains, and daily damage.
Giving your home a clean and finished look without being too expensive.
With laminate options that often feel more realistic because of their textured surfaces.
Vinyl options feel softer underfoot and work well in kitchens and bathrooms, while hardwood floors add a natural touch to living spaces.
Pergo is a good choice for homeowners who want tough flooring with easy installation.
Most products use the click-lock technique, making them DIY-friendly.
The laminate version works best in dry areas, while vinyl suits more moisture-prone rooms.
The prices range from $2-$6 per sq ft, and warranties can go up to a lifetime, making Pergo a reliable long-term option.
| Feature | Pergo Flooring |
| Brand Origin | Founded in Sweden (1977) |
| Flooring Types | Laminate, Vinyl Plank (LVP), Engineered Hardwood |
| Known For | Inventing laminate flooring |
| Design Style | Wood-look and stone-look finishes |
| Surface Texture | Textured, realistic visuals (especially laminate) |
| Scratch & Stain Resistance | High, due to strong wear layers |
| Comfort Underfoot | Firmer laminate; softer vinyl options |
| Water Performance | Vinyl is waterproof; laminate is water-resistant |
| Installation | Click-lock system (DIY-friendly) |
| Best Rooms | Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms (vinyl) |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; simple sweeping and damp mopping |
| Price Range | Approx. $2–$6 per sq ft |
| Warranty | 20 years to lifetime (varies by product line) |
Smartcore vs Pergo: Which One is Better for Modern Homes?
When it comes to choosing between smartcore vs pergo, it depends on how you plan to use them for your space.
From my practical experience, Smartcore works best in homes where moisture, pets, and heavy daily use are common.
It feels slightly softer underfoot, and handles spills without stress.
Pergo, on the other hand, is a solid pick for people who want a strong surface with sharp wood-like designs, especially in living rooms and bedrooms.
Looking deeper into smartcore vs pergo vinyl flooring, there are few differences that you might want to go through.
For example – Smartcore focuses more on waterproof vinyl and quiet comfort, while Pergo offers more variety in laminate, vinyl, and hardwood.
Another way to find which one is better, you can simply check out Smartcore vs pergo reddit threads.
You will find some real-time reviews which tell you how each of them performs in reality.
Let us now get on with the comparison.
Durability Comparison: Smartcore vs Pergo Flooring
Smartcore is built with a rigid vinyl core that helps resist scratches, dents, and water damage.
This makes it a strong choice for moisture-prone areas like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.
The core also adds stability, so it performs well in spaces with heavy foot traffic.
While Pergo focuses more on scratch resistance, especially in its laminate flooring range.
While the laminate is less waterproof, Pergo’s vinyl options offer solid protection against both water and scratches.
Some Pergo floors also use special wear layers for added surface strength.
Recommendation: Smartcore suits wet areas better, while Pergo works well in scratch-heavy homes.
Which Handles Moisture Better: Smartcore or Pergo?
Smartcore performs more consistently in this area.
All Smartcore LVP lines are 100% waterproof, making them safe for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements without worry.
Pergo on the other hand offers waterproof protection mainly through its vinyl options.
The Pergo Extreme Vinyl line is fully waterproof and works well in areas with spills.
However, Pergo laminate floors are only water-resistant, not waterproof.
Recommendation: Smartcore is the better choice when the water exposure is frequent and unavoidable.
Style & Finish Comparison Between Smartcore and Pergo
Smartcore has fewer design options overall, but it focuses on quality over quantity.
The Smartcore Naturals line is especially notable as it uses real wood veneers over a rigid vinyl core for a more natural look.
Pergo stands out for its wide range of design choices.
It offers multiple wood-look, stone-look, and tile-style finishes, making it easy to match different home styles.
Its laminate flooring often looks very realistic because of the detailed embossing, which adds more depth and structure to the product.
Recommendation: Pergo offers more variety, while Smartcore Naturals delivers a more natural, premium finish.
Which Feels Better to Walk On: Smartcore or Pergo?
Smartcore flooring feels more comfortable because of its vinyl build and built-in pad backing.
It is softer, warmer, and quieter, which makes all the more difference when walking barefoot or standing for longer periods.
Pergo’s flooring, especially laminate, can feel harder and louder underfoot without any proper underlayment.
Adding the underlayment can help reduce noise and give comfort.
Pergo’s vinyl options feel slightly softer but still remain on the firmer side compared to other vinyl floors.
Recommendation: Smartcore wins this aspect hands down. It has the better edge in comfort and underfoot feel.
Ease of Installation: Smartcore vs Pergo Flooring
Smartcore is easier for beginners because it comes with a pre-attached underlayment and uses a simple click-lock floating system.
It can be installed over most floors with minimal preparation.
Additionally, most homeowners can manage installation with basic tools.
Pergo is designed to be DIY-friendly and also uses a click-lock floating system for installation.
Laminate floors usually need a separate underlayment.
Some vinyl lines come with attached pads, but others may need more preparation depending on the floors and room conditions.
Recommendation: Both are easy to install, but Smartcore is more beginner-friendly overall.
Which Is More Affordable: Smartcore or Pergo?
Smartcore’s pricing is more consistent but goes in the mid-range overall.
Smartcore Ultra costs typically between $3-$4 per sq ft, while Smartcore Pro ranges from $3.50-$5 per sq ft, and Smartcore Naturals sits at the premium end, costing between $5-$7 per sq ft.
Pergo offers a wider price range across its products.
Its laminate flooring is the most budget-friendly, costing between $2-$3 per sq ft.
Vinyl plank floor options fall in the mid range, costing between $3-$4 per sq ft, while Pergo Hardwood is more expensive, costing between $4-$6 per sq ft.
Recommendation: Pergo laminate suits a tighter budget, while Smartcore offers clearer pricing with high-end options.
Which Flooring Is Easier to Maintain?
Smartcore is much simpler to care for because it is fully waterproof.
You can use a wet mop without worrying about moisture damage.
It also resists stains well, making it suitable for busy homes with kids and pets.
Pergo flooring is fairly easy to maintain with regular sweeping and an occasional damp mopping.
It holds up well to everyday dust and dirt, but extra care is needed with laminate floors.
Recommendation: Smartcore offers easier and safer maintenance due to its waterproof build.
Which Lasts Longer: Smartcore or Pergo Flooring?
Smartcore offers lifetime residential warranties on most of its flooring lines.
Its vinyl construction handles daily wear well and is less affected by moisture, which can help extend its lifespan.
Pergo brand offers warranty coverage that ranges from 20 years to lifetime, depending on the product line you choose.
This gives the homeowners the flexibility to choose based on budget and expected use.
With proper care, Pegro floors can last many years, though laminate options show wear-and-tear sooner in high-traffic areas.
Regular sweeping and damp mopping can help keep the surface clean and stain-free.
Recommendation: Both brands offer strong warranties, but the lifespan depends on use.
Smartcore suits low-maintenance homes better.
| Feature | Smartcore Flooring | Pergo Flooring |
| Best For | Moisture-prone, busy homes with pets and kids | Dry areas needing strong, wood-like visuals |
| Flooring Types | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | Laminate, Vinyl Plank, Engineered Hardwood |
| Core Strength | Rigid vinyl core resists dents and water | Strong wear layers; laminate focuses on scratch resistance |
| Durability | Excellent in heavy foot traffic and wet areas | Very durable in scratch-heavy, dry spaces |
| Water Resistance | 100% waterproof across all LVP lines | Waterproof in vinyl; laminate is water-resistant only |
| Design Variety | Fewer options; quality-focused | Wide range of wood, stone, and tile styles |
| Premium Look | Real wood veneer option (Smartcore Naturals) | Realistic embossed laminate designs |
| Comfort Underfoot | Softer, warmer, and quieter | Firmer feel; vinyl is softer than laminate |
| Noise Reduction | Built-in pad reduces sound | Needs underlayment for noise control |
| Installation | Click-lock with pre-attached underlayment | Click-lock; underlayment is often required |
| DIY Friendliness | Very beginner-friendly | DIY-friendly but more prep for laminate |
| Maintenance | Easy; wet mopping is safe | Easy, but the laminate needs extra care |
| Price Range | ~$3–$7 per sq ft (by variant) | ~$2–$6 per sq ft (wider range) |
| Budget Flexibility | Mid-to-premium pricing | More budget-friendly laminate options |
| Warranty | Lifetime residential (most lines) | 20 years to lifetime (product-based) |
| Longevity | Longer lifespan in wet or busy homes | Long-lasting with proper care in dry areas |
| Overall Verdict | Best for comfort, waterproofing, and low maintenance | Best for design variety and tighter budgets |
Smartcore Underlayment vs Pergo Gold Underlayment
When it comes to comparing smartcore vs pergo at the underlayment level, the difference comes down to how much protection you want built in.
Pergo Gold underlayment is designed as an all-in-one solution, especially for laminate or engineered wood-floors on concrete.
It includes a strong moisture barrier, vapor ridges, and a sealing lip with tape.
This setup helps block moisture, reduce noise, and add warmth underfoot without needing extra layers.
Whereas Smartcore underlayment works differently. Smartcore vinyl planks often come with attached pads, or they are paired with high-density foam or cork underlayment.
These pads focus on cushioning, dent resistance, and basic sound control.
While Smartcore Vinyl is water-resistant on its own, the underlayment adds extra comfort rather than heavy moisture blocking.
Pedro Gold is better for maximum protection, while Smartcore’s matched pads work best when you want a simpler setup designed specifically for Smartcore LVP floors.
How Smartcore and Pergo Compare With Other Vinyl Flooring Brands
Flooring choices can feel confusing when multiple options look similar but perform differently.
Vinyl plank floors have become popular because they handle spills, foot traffic, and daily wear and tear better than other materials.
From personal use, these floors feel comfortable, stay quiet, and are easy to clean.
This is why comparisons like smartcore vs pergo matter when deciding what actually works in real homes.
In this section, we focus on how these luxury vinyl flooring options fare against each other in everyday situations.
Based on experience, and details like thickness, water resistance, and comfort make a very big difference over time.
We will break these down clearly and fairly to help you choose the LVP suited for your home.
Smartcore vs Style Selections
Both are waterproof LVPs sold at Lowe’s, but they target different buyers.
Style selections is more budget-focused and known for good scratch and stain resistance.
Smartcore is positioned as a premium option, with thicker planks, varied core types, and more realistic wood-style designs.
Style Selections suit low-cost projects and moisture-prone areas better, like kitchens.
Smartcore works better for homeowners who want a thicker, more premium look and feel, especially in high-traffic areas.
Lifeproof
Flooring choices often come down to how much wear, water, and daily activity a home can handle.
Lifeproof, Smartcore, and Pergo each serve different types of homeowners – Lifeproof is built for toughness, especially for places that have a lot of heavy foot traffic, and have a lot of people living in a home.
Smartcore focuses on easy DIY installation, comfort, and waterproof vinyl planks with attached padding.
Pergo is widely chosen for its budget-friendly laminate styles, though it offers less protection than vinyl.
Many homeowners turn to Reddit threads like Smartcore vs pergo vs lifeproof reddit, Smartcore vs Lifeproof Reddit, and Pergo vs lifeproof Reddit to check and read the reviews posted by other homeowners who have bought these products and have used them.
The base question for many also remains the same – Which is better SmartCore or LifeProof?
Lifeproof fits demanding spaces, Smartcore balances value, and Pergo suits dry areas on a budget.
Shaw Floorté
Smartcore, Shaw, and Pergo are all popular flooring brands, but their properties and focus targets are different.
Smartcore focuses on value-driven luxury vinyl with comfort and durability.
Shaw focuses on heavy-duty, waterproof flooring for busy homes with pets and kids.
Pergo is best known for laminate flooring with strong wear layers and many design options.
Smartcore suits budget buyers wanting softer floors with attached pads.
Shaw works best in high-traffic kitchens and baths needing toughness, and Pergo fits dry rooms where cost matters.
Waterproofing, comfort, wear layers, and budget should be your guide, so we would suggest testing samples to match your home.
Mohawk (SolidTech)
Choosing between Smartcore, Pergo, and Mohawk SolidTech depends mostly on your budget and usage.
All three offer vinyl plank options, but differ in wear layers, price, and cores.
Mohawk SolidTech targets busy home switch strong scratch resistance, while Smartcore Ultra sits at the premium end with thicker layers and refined styles.
Pergo vinyl balances cost and performance, with lines like DuraCraft offering very thick wear layers.
SolidTech Plus and Pergo DuraCraft suit durability needs, while Smartcore Ultra fits buyers wanting premium looks, waterproof protection, and long-term performance in real homes today.
| Brand | Price Positioning | Durability & Wear | Water Resistance | Comfort Underfoot | Best For |
| Smartcore | Mid to premium | Strong, rigid core; good dent and scratch resistance | 100% waterproof | Softer and quieter with attached padding | Busy homes wanting comfort, waterproofing, and easy DIY installation |
| Pergo (Vinyl) | Budget to mid-range | Thick wear layers; balanced durability | Waterproof (vinyl only) | Moderately firm | Budget-conscious homes needing durable vinyl with good visuals |
| Style Selections | Budget-friendly | Decent scratch and stain resistance | Waterproof | Firmer feel | Low-cost projects and moisture-prone rooms like kitchens |
| Lifeproof | Mid-range | Built for heavy foot traffic and impact | 100% waterproof | Firm but stable | High-traffic homes with pets, kids, and frequent wear |
| Shaw Floorté | Mid to premium | Heavy-duty construction; high wear layers | 100% waterproof | Firm and solid | Kitchens and bathrooms needing maximum toughness |
| Mohawk SolidTech | Mid-range | Strong scratch resistance | Waterproof | Moderately firm | Busy households needing durability at a controlled budget |
Smartcore vs Pergo: Showdown of Popular Variants
The smartcore vs pergo debate goes deeper when we look at the different variants each brand offers.
Smartcore is mainly known for waterproof, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring that works well in busy and moisture-prone areas.
Pergo, on the other hand, built its name on laminate flooring and later expanded into vinyl and engineered wood.
While Smartcore focuses on comfort and protection, Pergo offers a wide mix of budget-friendly and premium options across materials.
In the smartcore vs pergo comparison, choosing the better variant depends on your needs.
For budget-friendly flooring, Pergo laminate is usually the most affordable.
For homes with pets, Smartcore vinyl and Pergo’s scratch-resistant laminate both perform well.
Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements suit Smartcore more because it is fully waterproof.
For overall durability, Smartcore Pro and Pergo’s high-end laminate lines stand out.
Here, I will be giving you all a breakdown of the differences between Smartcore and Pergo and their other variants so that you can make an informed decision on which one to choose.
Smartcore vs pergo vs laminate
These three are often compared together, but they serve different needs.
Laminate is generally a flooring category that offers wood-like visuals at a lower cost.
Pergo is a well-known laminate brand valued for its durability and easy DIY installation.
Smartcore is a luxury vinyl plank with a rigid core and waterproof build, making it more versatile in moisture-prone spaces.
Laminate suits dry areas and tighter budgets, while Smartcore works better where there are kids, pets, water, and heavy use are concerns.
I would recommend choosing Pergo for affordable, tough laminate floors in busy homes.
Pergo duracraft vs Smartcore Ultra
Both are waterproof luxury vinyl plank options designed for busy homes.
Pergo DuraCraft focuses on toughness, using a thick 20-mil wear layer and WetProtect technology for strong water resistance.
Smartcore Ultra leans more towards style, offering realistic textures and premium-looking designs.
Its wear layer is also really strong, making it durable enough for daily use.
Even though both remain reliable waterproof choices for modern homes today, I would choose DuraCraft for toughness and Smartcore Ultra for looks and comfort.
Smartcore Ultra vs Pergo
Even though both are popular flooring choices, they serve different purposes.
Smartcore Ultra is an LVP with a waterproof core, stronger durability, and a softer feel, making it suitable for almost any room.
Pergo is best known for laminate flooring that offers good looks at a lower price, mainly for dry areas.
Smartcore Ultra works best for busy homes with kids and pets, and moisture-prone areas like kitchens and basements.
Pergo is a smart pick for bedrooms and living rooms where water exposure is minimal, and budget matters more.
Is SmartCore flooring worth it for Busy Homes?
Smartcore flooring is often seen as a good option for homeowners who want waterproof floors without spending much money.
Official reviews highlight its durability, easy installation, and solid performance in high-traffic areas like the basement, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Smartcore Ultra is especially popular for its strong build, scratch resistance, and a simple click-lock system.
While some basic lines may feel less premium or sound slightly hollow on certain floors, most users find the value hard to ignore.
We shall also be looking beyond brand claims and what everyday users are writing about Smartcore.
To get a clearer picture, we shall also look into smartcore reviews reddit and understand real experiences and honest opinions from homeowners.
A user mentioned that, “I have the smartcore waterproof LVP in my basement. I put it in 4 years ago. I have two kids that rollerblade on it – two 70 pound dogs on it- looks just as good as the day I installed it – which was 4 years ago. It also survived 2 partial floodings from hurricanes.”
Well, not hurricanes, but ever since I have installed Smartcore LVP flooring 2 years ago in my basement, I have found a similar thing – the basement floors look completely new, as if I had just installed them.
And since my kids’ playroom is in the basement, there is a lot of foot traffic present there. But thankfully, I have not seen much of wear and tear on my basement floor.
Another user mentions that, “I’ve installed it in a couple rooms so far, and plan on installing it in the rest of my house. I used Lexington Oak color. It installs easily and is super durable. If you can swing the extra 50 cents a square foot, get the SmartCore Ultra, as it has the extra thickness in the core to better deal with any subfloor issues, and already has an underlayment attached. Haven’t had any issues with scratches, and I have a big dog (65 lbs. ) that loves to jump off the bed right onto it!”
I can completely get behind this idea, as we too have a black Great Dane who completely forgets his size and loves to run around and jump up and down the bed a lot and play with the kids.
Touchwood, the flooring in my bedroom has not had many scratches yet.
Is Pergo Flooring Worth the Money?
If you thought I would leave out Pergo reviews, you have thought it wrong.
How can I leave this out when I have recommended this to so many of my clients.
Pergo flooring is popular because it delivers a good balance of price, durability, and appearance.
It is especially known for laminate options that look like wide-plank wood without the high cost.
Many homeowners like Pergo for living rooms and bedrooms, where moisture is not much of an issue.
While the finish can feel slightly glossy, and the patterns may repeat in continuous spaces, like hallways, the overall value for the product is strong for the price.
To get a clearer picture beyond the claims, we will also see what buyers and users say through the Reddit threads.
A user mentions that, “I installed this exact Silo Oak floor in my whole downstairs around 800 square feet and it went together easily and was very easy to work with. Took me 1.5 days to do it all. We have a saint bernard and two kids and it has held up very well so far.”
Well, I can’t say for myself, but I noticed it at a client’s home.
They have 2 young girls, a Dalmatian, and a Labrador, so there is a lot of foot traffic in their rooms.
Surprisingly, it had held up really well, despite so much running around by the kids and dogs.
Another user stated that, “I have Pergo Outlast antique cherry, looks like hand-scraped. Installed through Home Depot about 8 years ago. I absolutely love it and recommend it to everyone. It gets lots of compliments. I have it in my front room, kitchen, dining area and family room. It withstood two large dogs for 2 years, and several cats. I have not noticed any significant scratches and I’m not terribly careful with it. I would install it again in a heartbeat. The hand scraped texture feels good under your feet, and overall it feels better to walk on than real wood or tile.”
I could get behind this idea and would recommend something similar to my clients as well.
How to Decide Between Smartcore vs Pergo for Your Home
Choosing between smartcore vs pergo can feel difficult when both have durable flooring options.
The right choice depends on where the flooring will be used, how much foot traffic it will handle, and your budget. Moisture levels, comfort, and installation ease also matter more than people expect.
In this section, we shall look at some practical tips that can help you compare between smartcore vs pergo clearly and choose the option that fits your home and daily needs better.
While trying to figure out which LVP flooring would work for you between smartcore vs pergo, you need to keep a few things in mind:
- If you have high-traffic areas in your homes like bedrooms and living areas, go with Pergo. However, if you want a water-resistant, waterproof LVP, go with Smartcore. Additionally, I would definitely recommend you buy a few extra boxes to have at hand in case of unexpected issues like flooding, repairs, etc.
- Now, keep this in mind as well – if you are using the LVP floors on a small chunk of the house, or if you want to fully update the house floors? If you want to see water resistance for decades, Smartcore vinyl shines in these cases. But if you prefer scratch and dent resistance, Pergo laminates are your go-to.
- Finally, I would highly recommend you order samples and check thoroughly before you buy. If you want variety with visuals, then go with Pergo; however, if you want comfort underfoot, then stick with Smartcore.
Conclusion
Flooring decisions can last for years so getting them right matters.
The smartcore vs pergo debate is not about which one is better, but about which suits your home best.
While Smartcore stands out for waterproof vinyl flooring made for daily wear, Pergo remains a trusted name for affordable laminate and dependable vinyl options.
We walked through the major points that usually confuse homeowners and buyers.
We have compared both Smartcore and Pergo flooring’s durability, water resistance, comfort underfoot, installation ease, costs, maintenance, warranties, lifespans, and underlayment choices.
Different product lines like Lifeproof, Shaw, and Mohawk were covered along with real-life scenarios and budget considerations, to help with your decision.
When you step back and take a look at this comparison between smartcore vs pergo, the decision becomes a bit clearer.
With the right match, your flooring choice will feel right long after installation.
FAQs on Smartcore vs Pergo
What flooring is better than Pergo?
While Pergo is a good laminate choice, LVPs like Smartcore or Lifeproof offer superior waterproofness and natural feel, depending on your priorities for durability.
Such brands offer excellent waterproof options, making them an ideal option for kitchens and basements where Pergo struggles with moisture.
What are the disadvantages of Pergo flooring?
Pergo’s main disadvantages are its vulnerability to significant water damage (despite its waterproof claims), potential for hollow sounds, installation challenges (despite having a click-lock system), limited refinishing, concerns over its poor customer service, and warranty claim denials for issues like peeling or warping.
Is SMARTCORE made by Shaw?
Yes, Smartcore is a product of Shaw Industries, as Shaw provided warranties for Smartcore products.
Another rumor is that Smartcore is a part of CORETech, which is true. CORETech is a subsidiary of Shaw Industries.
Do I need underlayment for SMARTCORE flooring?
Smartcore flooring (especially with its Ultra and Pro variants) comes with an already attached underlayment. So you do not need a separate underlayment. However, if the basement area has a lot of moisture and water problems, it wouldn’t harm to add an extra underlayment.
